Car Starting Problems

If the starter is still rotating the crankshaft upon turning the key in the ignition, AND there is a charge from the ignition coil to the distributor, the problem is most likely that 1. The distributor is improperly timed and/or calibrated for the engine in which it is placed, 2. The distributor is the incorrect type for the engine it is attached to, or 3. the mechanical linkages that spin the rotor are defective or incorrectly installed.

No, you must have a charged battery for the alternator to work.

Here's an explanation of how the charging system works:

http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/repair-topics/alternator-generator/testing-an-alternator-without-blowing-it-sky-high

The starter is located just under the intake manifold. If you are standing on the side of the car with the battery you should be able to see it. It's not very difficult to replace. Make sure you disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid shock. There is one wire, that pulls apart, and two nuts on the starter that must be removed, the solenoid electrical connector and the starter terminal connection cable. Then there are two mounting bolts, one is on top of the unit and the other is on the bottom at a diagonal from the top bolt. Both bolts can be reached from above.

11.14.08 revision. The new fix to this issue on my jeep was to replace the computer (ECM) ($400 part) and the ignition coil ($73 part) too. The wires to the computer had poor connections and the coil not getting spark. While it was a little costly with labor (~$700 total) it certainly is better than car payments.REVISION TO MY PREVIOUS ANSWER: The CSS fix provided only a temporary fix ... the issue returned within a few weeks whenever there was rainy weather. Once the air had dried out the jeep starts again. But, until then, nothing. So, do not rely on the replacement of your CSS to fully correct the issue. This issue was just resolved today in my 95 Country. First, do a full tuneup - spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor - if that has not been done recently. This took care of the problem for a few weeks, but then the issue returned. Next, change the crankshaft sensor - that part cost about $125. The guy at Napa said that is a common part to go bad on Jeeps. It is not an easy part to take the two bolts off of - because it is located in a tight spot - and be careful to not let either bolt fall into the flywheel opening. But if you can get the two bolts off and then back on again with the new CSS, you should run well again.

You need a tune up. The spark plugs are running way to hot and need to be replaced.

There could be oil in the solenoid which is too thick in the morning but once it warms up later in the day the oil is thin enough to allow the solenoid to make contact and turn the starter. Is the solenoid clicking when you try to start it? It could also be a bad battery connection but it doesn't sound like it.

The starter location on all Dodge Dakota engines is on the driver's side rear of the engine, low down and bolted to the transmission bellhousing. It will be cylindrical in shape and the positive (red/+) battery cable will run directly to it.

It'll be at the front of the car on the left ot right side. Open the hood and look close to the front of the fender for a black box that is about the size of 2 CD cases put side by side. The battery will be under that cover and have a big black and red wire going to it. Most autoparts stores will show you where it is and load test it for free.

A couple of things to troubleshoot here first:

1. Do the car's lights work? Not the interior light, the headlights. If the headlights don't work or they go completely dim when you turn the key, your battery is dead.

The loud buzzing noise you hear from under the hood when you turn the key to start the vehicle usually means the battery is too low to crank the engine or a loose cable. Some auto parts stores will test the battery free of charge.

Nothing unless you connect the negative cable to the positive post. When you do that you will destroy the battery and it may possible explode. You may also damage the electronics in the vehicle.

Turn the ignition on then disconnect the battery.hi to all Renault clio 2001 immoboliser probs light wont go of try this........ open your key now take out the green board now place the key in the ignition don't turn now place that green board back on its place and turn ur key and see if the light goes off if it don't try this for a few times it goes off,, contact me at poizen2005@yahoo.com tell me it it works

check for spark first by holding a plug lead end 1/4 inch away from an earth crank engine , you should feel and see a blue spark. if ok ,remove plugs.itll dry itseft out in half an hour. refit plugs and try again..

To start a flooded engine put the accerlator on the floor do NT pump, and start kicking it over. if it gives you a realy hard time and to save your battery, give it a rest for 10 minutes then try again.

Sounds like the starter solenoid is stuck. Another possibility is the ignition key switch is not automatically returning from the start to run position. As the switches get older they seem to get stiff. Could be a weak spring in the switch or just gummed up lubricant. The easy test is to try turning the key counter clockwise after starting the engine and see if the starter motor stops running.

either the ignition coil is bad or the crank for the camfhsaft position sensor is not touching the sensor i jsut had to do that to my car so check both of those

Go to newcelica.org and at the top of the screen you'll see a tab called (tech info) click on it. when at the next page scroll down and you'll see an area called maintanace, in there you will see a complete walkthrough on testing and inspecting your spark plugs. I know this is correct i just recently put some OBX racing plugs in mine and used this very guide. Go to newcelica.org and at the top of the screen you'll see a tab called (tech info) click on it. when at the next page scroll down and you'll see an area called maintanace, in there you will see a complete walkthrough on testing and inspecting your spark plugs. I know this is correct i just recently put some OBX racing plugs in mine and used this very guide.

First thing to have checked is your battery! See if it is fully charged and holding a charge. Check simple things before moving to more difficult. Check your glow plugs ie( heating plug) weather its working or not if it fails u 'll face this problem. u can check with battery and a wire with passing the current. if the spark is produced in glow plug it works or it does not . any quires let me know

It could be the wrong key...not inserted completely (or inserted to far if the lock is damaged)...the steering wheel lock could be exterting extra pressure on the lock (try moving the steering wheel a bit to see if that helps)

I'm having the same problem with a 1987 ford E350 with a 460 auto trans. I just replaced the engine with a used one from a 1988 ford F250 with a 460 4wd auto trans. and now the starter won't release from the flywheel and it is making a bad grinding sound. I searched around on the net a little bit and it looks like all the 460 from 84-91 list the same part numbers for the starter, and flywheel. my old starter had some movement in the shaft and sounded like it was grinding a little so, I replaced the it with a new one from Auto Zone. And it still dose the same thing. There is no adjustments to be made with a ford starter like a GM starer. It should just bolt right up and that's it. So now I'm not sure what to do. I don't work on fords that much so if you have any ideas please let me know.

i drove over caked snow while trying to turn, the car could to back up because of the ice of the ground.After three atepts, the car could not start again ,but all the light are on and the radia still pray. Car: 2005 Toyota corolla

Same way you do when it's warm. Turn the key.

If it's a diesel (would be nice if you said what model and engine) and its starting hard, plug in the block heater for a few minutes before you try to start.

this just happened to us -- after installing new starter, it turned out that the battery connection was not correct -- auto parts store checked and cleaned terminals and fixed connection, all for free. this just happened to us -- after installing new starter, it turned out that the battery connection was not correct -- auto parts store checked and cleaned terminals and fixed connection, all for free.

Please visit your local AutoZone and they will gladly print the firing order for your car for FREE

Dead battery. Recharge it and see if it will start. If not, remove the battery and go have it tested.

spray wd40 on all electrics inc inside distributor cap plugs and ht leads , if no luck get a tin of cold start and spray directly into engone intake , check also foe water in fuel if damp this usually works